Lamley Contest: Guess the two exclusive Matchbox models for the upcoming Gathering Convention, and we will send you a Gathering exclusive Routemaster Bus...

We are less than four months away from the 11th Annual Matchbox Collectors International Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It is undoubtedly the premiere Matchbox event each year, and I am looking forward to attending for the seventh time.  We hope many of you can come as well.  Details and the registration form can be found here.

Every July, Matchbox collectors from around the world gather in New Mexico to chat, trade, buy, eat, reminisce, and sell.  Collecting legend Jim Gallegos hosts the event, and it is the only Matchbox event that Mattel officially attends.  The Matchbox Design and Marketing teams use the event to reveal the new models for the next year, give details on the brand strategy, and name a new collector Ambassador.  And it is also the place get the designer's ear.  Many a detail and tasty tidbit is shared (if you ask the right questions, of course).

Another part of the Gathering that gets collectors out in droves is the Mattel-produced exclusives.  These are always the most detailed models Matchbox will produce each year, and they are highly collectible.  Some of the previous models:

Last year's Routemaster Bus has been especially popular with collectors, and we want to give one away to one of our Lamley friends.  So why not do a little contest?

It is very simple.  Send us an email at lamleygroup@gmail.com and give us your guess for what two Matchbox castings will be the exclusives this year.  The first person to guess both exactly will win a green Routemaster Bus from last year's event.  

The winner will be announced at the Gathering itself, and don't worry, you don't have to be in attendance to win.  Jim will announce the winner, and we will then put the bus in a box and mail it to that person, wherever in the world he or she might live.  Only one guess per person, and any guesses that include more than two models will be discarded.

It is that simple.  Be the first to guess both models, and you win.  Do you want a hint on what they are?  Ok, both castings were produced between the years 2005 and 2014, and both are licensed models.

Good luck!!

Lamley News: Registration for the 2014 Matchbox Collectors Gathering announced...

Mark your calendars.  The 2014 Matchbox International Gathering of Friends has been announced for July 18-20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  It is the premiere Matchbox event, attended by Mattel, and where the 2015 new model lineup and other details will be announced.  

This will be the 7th year in a row that we at Lamley are attending, and it never disappoints.  The exclusive models provided by Mattel are always stunning, and chance to mingle with Matchbox designers is unique to this event, and most importantly, the company is great.

(Plus, you should make a trip of it.  New Mexico is beautiful, and we are a bit partial to the Four Corners area just north.  Durango, Colorado, plus Mesa Verde, plus Moab, Utah make for an unforgettable trip.  We will even see you there if you want.)

But before you go, you must register.  The dinner will sell out, and remember that the first 75 registrants will receive a special limited model to be given at the dinner.  Last year's First 75 exclusive, the Zamac Routemaster Bus, remains in very high demand.

Below is the official registration announcement, along with the registration form.  Remember, don't send it in until the actual registration date.

Who is going?

It's coming soon...  

Time to register for the 12th Annual Matchbox International Gathering of Friends Convention. Registration starts at 12 noon (Mountain Standard Time) on Sunday, 19 January 2014. Be sure to reserve your place at the fantastic dinner and auction and reserve your table(s) for the Sunday Toy Show. All profits from this event will once again, go to Rachel's Courtyard Children's Hospital.

Registration forms available online @ your favorite Matchbox collecting web site, the Lamley Blog, Face Book Pages Matchbox Collectors Gathering or Mattel Landy Travels. Or please contact promoter Jim Gallegos matchb0x1@aol.com 505-892-8848 with any questions.

The event includes:

• The Mattel Matchbox Design and Marketing Team from El Segundo California.
• The top collectors from around the world.
• Exciting presentations form world renown experts in the world of Matchbox.
• A Sit down Dinner followed by a Mattel Mini Line Preview Presentation by the Mattel Team.
• Charity auction featuring many proto types as well as a large selection of models and memorabilia donated by Mattel and collectors from around the world.
• Huge Sunday Toy Show.
• Custom contest from novice to expert.
• First responder vehicle show featuring, the Albuquerque Fire Department, Bernalillo County Fire Department, Albuquerque Police, SWAT and Bomb Squads as well as many others.
• Come meet old friends and make new ones. This event is all about the friends we make and hobby we share.

The Registration Form:

(Copy and paste into an email and send to: matchb0x1@aol.com)

Thank you for your interest in the 2014, 12^th Annual Matchbox Collectors International Gathering of Friends Toy Vehicle Convention, brought to you by Route 66 Promotions and sponsored by the Mattel Matchbox Team.  The Convention will be held July 18^th-July 20^th 2014 at the Albuquerque Marriott, 2101 Louisiana Blvd. in Albuquerque, New Mexico.    Please read and complete the following to secure your spot at the event!

• Select which of the following you would like to purchase:

• Dinner and Auction: Saturday evening 5:30pm, July 19^th, 2014.  

The dinner is limited to 125 guests.  Admission includes dinner, participation in auction, early admission to Toy Show on Sunday, July 20^th, and an exclusive Code 1 dinner model (1 of no more than 250 produced).  Must be present to receive models, they cannot be mailed.

** Please indicate names and # of dinner  guests @ $75 per guest:  ________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

• Table(s) for Toy Show, Sunday, July 20^th.  Table selection is available on a first come, first served basis.  By purchasing tables, you agree to the following:

• Set-up time is 8-9:30AM, Sunday, July 20^th.  Set-up must be completed by 9:30AM
• No take down prior to 3PM
• There is a limit of two people admitted per paid table reservation
• Vendors and guests must wear provided badges while in the show
• You will be directed to your space upon arrival
• You must have a badge to be admitted to the toy show prior to 10AM on Sunday. 
• There are no refunds after July 1^st, 2014,       no exceptions
• the promoters and/or sponsors CANNOT accept any liability for items lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise
• Please indicate # of tables @ $45 per table: ____

• Complete all fields below:

First Name:______________________   Last Name:____________________   Phone:____________________
Street Address:______________________________   City:____________________  State:_____ 
Country:____________________  Email Address:______________________________
List Guests here ___________________________________________________________________

• Payment is due with reservation, NO EXCEPTIONS.  Please choose from the following options: 

• Money Order: Payable to Jim Gallegos
• Pay Pal:  matchb0x1@aol.com All Pay Pal payments MUST ADD 5% to cover Pay Pal fees

• Return this completed form via mail or email to: 

Jim Gallegos:

Address: P.O. Box 15414, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 87174

Email: matchb0x1@aol.com

Questions? Contact Jim Gallegos at matchb0x1@aol.com or call (505) 892-8848

For Hotel Reservations: call (505) 861-6800 or visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abqnm-albuquerque-marriott/?toDate=7/25/12&groupCode=diediea&fromDate=7/18/12&app=resvlink

 and mention Route 66 die cast convention code DIE.  2014 Convention rate is $99/night per room.

MATCHBOX^® and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by and used under license from Mattel^® Inc.  © 2014 Mattel^®  Inc. All Rights Reserved.  This convention is not affiliated with Mattel^® Inc.

First Look: Matchbox MC Gathering of Friends '56 Buick Century Fire Chief Dealer Model...

Yes, I included some shots of this one in my final Ambassador Report, but a model like this surely deserves its own post.

We have spent a great deal of time on past Gathering Models.  They are almost always classic cars, they are always gorgeous, and they are gobbled up quickly.

This one, the '56 Buick Century, might be the most stellar of the stellar.  It is a typical Matchbox collector's late-night fantasy.  A classic emergency car, in fire livery.  Old-school Matchbox collectors love classics.  And they love emergency vehicles.  And they love fire trucks.  When the model was first shown on the projector, there was a tangible gasp in the room.  No joke.  I might have even heard a thump or two as collectors hit the floor.

Needless to say, this model is a hit.  And I am sure there is a large number of collectors out there clamoring for one.  I am just glad to have one.

One little fun fact.  This model SCREAMS Matchbox, but that is pure Hot Wheels spectraflame paint on that car.



Uh-oh, I just heard another thump.  I hope the Matchbox collectors are ok...

(Looking for one?  There are a few on ebay.  They may vanish quickly, so have at it.)


Matchbox '56 Buick Century (2013 MC Gathering Dealer Exclusive):

With the Gathering exclusive Routemasters:

With the 2013 version and the prepro donated by Mattel for auction:

July 22nd Matchbox Ambassador Update: Upcoming 2014 New Models andeverything else from the 2013 MC Gathering of Friends...

Greetings fellow collectors...

It is early Monday morning, I am sitting in my brother's basement in Durango, Colorado, and I am finally finishing up my last report as Matchbox Ambassador.  It was a whirlwind weekend at the Matchbox Collectors International Gathering of Friends in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and sleep was not as high on the priority list as it probably should have been.  I am feeling that now, and the 6-hour drive later today from Durango to Salt Lake City somehow does not seem that appealing.

But I know I am not the only one returning home today to whatever state or country they live in a complete daze.  It was a fantastic weekend as usual, wonderfully hosted by Jim and Vicki Gallegos, and it was also full of good little tidbits from Mattel's Dave Weiss, Michael Heralda, and Andrew Vranicar.

That is my final task, to try and break down all the info presented by Mattel at the Gathering and pass it on to you.  Then I will happily take my stroll into the sunset to join my fellow seven former Ambassadors in the great toy room in the sky, and watch the newest Ambo, Nigel Cooper, take the reigns.

Yes, THAT Nigel Cooper.  If you have collected Matchbox for any significant amount of time, you are aware of that name.  Nigel is one of the foremost experts on Matchbox, and well he should be, as he has collected and written about Matchbox for at least the last 35 years.  His perspective on the current line will be truly unique, and surely very informative.  Given that we are still entrenched in the 60th Anniversary celebration of Matchbox, the fact that Nigel hails from the UK, the birthplace of Matchbox, and knows the brand as well as anyone, Nigel was Mattel's choice to serve as the 9th Matchbox Ambassador.  And a great choice indeed.

I had several chances this weekend to talk with Nigel, and he takes over as soon as I post this report.  We have made arrangements to ensure that no matter by what method you read the Ambassador Reports, whether it be on forums, through email, club newsletters, by way of Facebook or Twitter, or here at Lamley, that will continue.  Nigel might add a few more methods as well.  I have offered my full support to Nigel, and as is tradition with the Ambassadors, will do all I can to help make Nigel's tenure the best we have had.

And in case you are wondering, the list of the nine Ambassadors goes like this, in order:

2005/06 John Yanouzas
2006/07 Jim Gallegos
2007/08 David Tilley
2008/09 Terry Ozima
2009/10 John Nijhus
2010/11 Chuck Wiersma
2011/12 Shabbir Malik
2012/13 John Lambert
2013/14 Nigel Cooper

Once again, a hearty congrats to Nigel, and I look forward to his time as Ambassador.

So there is your first bit of news.  Now on to the all the other morsels of upcoming Matchbox.

The presentation began with a bird's eye view of the brand presented by Andrew Vranicar of the Matchbox marketing team.  The brand will continue into 2014 with its "Unstoppable Vehicles for Heroic Adventures" branding tag, and will consist of three main product lines: Core (basic vehicles), Sky Busters, and Rugged Vehicles.

The Matchbox logo will also go through another change, but one that I think will be welcomed by collectors.  The lozenge is back, in familiar Matchbox colors and font, and will obviously be seen all over the 2014 line.  You can see it here as part of 2014 display brought by Mattel to the dinner:

Basic packaging will also look different in 2014.  The logo will be featured at the top of the card instead of down the side, and artwork for each vehicle will continue.

Dave then took over to present the new tools for 2014.  There will be four major categories in the basic lineup - Explorers, Construction, Heroic Rescue, and Adventure City.  Dave mentioned that the word "industrial" comes to mind when looking at the 2014 lineup, and after seeing the models, that is very clear.  There is a heavy emphasis on large utility vehicles, particularly construction, and they are designed with kid's perspective in mind (think about how a 5-year-old would look up at a truck).  They are big, they are tough, and they can go just about anywhere.

There are 26 new tools for 2014, and 7 of them are licensed vehicles.  The list is below, with a little bonus treat this year: Dave allowed me access to the 15 preproduction models he brought for the display, and I was able to photograph closeups of all of them.  The models were behind plexiglass at the presentation, so these closeups are for those that attended the Gathering as well.

Keep in mind that these are early prototypes or 3D prints, and modifications are entirely possible.  Photos are shown with permission from Mattel.  The list of new models is as follows, with accompanying photos when available:


Explorers:
Travel Tracker (Safari Truck)

Snowmobile

Exploration Truck

2014 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD

Rumble Raider

Sea Spy (inflatable boat)

Construction:
Excavator

Ford F350 Stake Bed Truck

Long-Nosed Tractor

Grappler

Auger (Drill)

Mini Dozer (pictured in the display, not here as it is going through major modifications)

Tracked Tractor

Mound Mover (wheeled bulldozer)

Heroic Rescue:

'63 Mack Pumper Model B

Military Dune Buggy

Crime Crusher (police car)

Rapids Rescue (rescue truck with raft on top)

Rescue ATV

Toyota Tacoma Life Guard

Battle Tank

Adventure City:
Mega School Bus

2014 VW Bulli (Concept or production still being developed)

Front-Loading Garbage Truck

Land Rover LR4

Alfa Romeo 4C


There is the list.  You can see the push towards big, tough, utility vehicles, with an Italian beauty mixed in.

And if you want to copy and paste the list without the photos, here it is again:

Explorers:

Travel Tracker

Snowmobile

Exploration Truck

2014 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD

Rumble Raider

Sea Spy - inflatable Boat

Construction:

Excavator

Ford F350 Stake Bed 

Long Nosed Tractor

Grappler

Auger (Drill)

Mini Dozer

Tracked Tractor

Mound Mover (wheeled bulldozer)

Heroic Rescue:

63 Mack Pumper Model B

Military Dune Buggy

Crime Crusher (police car)

Rapids Rescue (rescue truck with raft on top)

Rescue ATV

Toyota Tacoma Life Guard

Battle Tank

Adventure City:

Mega School Bus

2014 VW Bulli Concept

Front Loading Garbage Truck

Land Rover LR4

Alfa Romeo 4C

And news from the two other product lines:

Sky Buster new tools:

Gee Bee R
F-15
Virgin Atlantic Spaceship Two
Sky Shredder helicopter (non-licensed)
Fire Rescue Plane (non-licensed)


Rugged Diecast:

A new line of non-licensed 1:24 scale models, all parallel with the "Unstoppable" theme.  They will be large trucks with large wheels, mostly metal with rubber tires and articulated stirring.  Think big vehicles for kids to play with inside and outside.

There will also be five new Creature Catcher sets, this time with vehicles that capture creatures from the air and sea.


The team also brought several FEP's for display, including some 2013 models that collectors have been eagerly awaiting:

I took a few pics of some notables:

BMW 1M

Dodge Charger Police

Dodge A100 Pickup

Questor

That last model?  The new Questor, in National Parks livery, should be out in late 2013, early 2014.  The others are coming very soon.

There are a lot more sneaks, news, and other tidbits to come, and that will fall on the shoulders of #9.


Now on to a few more goodies from the Gathering.  Obviously, the unveiling of the Mattel-produced models is always a big deal, and Jim Gallegos and the team did not disappoint:

Dinner Model - Routemaster Bus

In keeping with the 60th Anniversary celebration, Matchbox's UK roots were recognized with the selection with one of the most British of vehicles, the Double Decker Bus.  And British it is.

Early Registration Variant - Routemaster Bus:

One of the reasons to sign up for the Gathering early is to be one of the lucky recipients of the Early Registrant variant on the Dinner Model.  The first 75 registrants were given this stunning Zamac version of the Dinner Bus, and if I dare offer my opinion, I like it even more.

Dealer Model - '56 Buick Century:

Another beauty was handed out to those that reserved dealer tables at the Toy Show.  The Buick was done in Fire livery to pay homage to Jim Gallegos' cousin who served as Chief of the Duran Fire Department in Torrance County, and who passed away unexpectedly last year.  It is a beautiful model, and unsurprisingly was a huge hit with those in attendance.

There was one other Matchbox model given out at the dinner, and I forgot to photograph it in the studio.  I will have to save it for another photo shoot:

Lastly, many of you like to see some close-ups of the preproduction models Mattel donated to the charity auction to benefit Rachel's Courtyard.  They didn't disappoint.  Here are a few close-ups, including one snagged by yours truly after a battle with the 3rd Ambassador and my Lamley counterpart:

The Gathering festivities will be back next year for #12, so reserve July 18-20, 2014 on your calendars.

I think that is it.  I'm done.

Thanks again to the Mattel team for giving me this opportunity, and thanks to you collectors for all the support throughout the year.  It was an absolute blast, but I am going to enjoy having my Sunday nights back.

Nigel, you're up...